FALSE TEETH-Complete Dentures,Alternatives,Flexible Dentures

False teeth also known as dentures and are prosthetic devices replacing missing teeth. These missing teeth can be one, some or all of their teeth. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, a denture replaces all teeth in the upper and lower jaw, and partial dentures replace a group of teeth.

The National Health Service (NHS) stated that complete dentures adhere to the gums with the help of denture adhesive or natural suction and partial dentures attach to the supporting natural teeth via metal clasps.

As per the need of a patient, each denture appliance crafted individually to match the patient’s smile and bite, so they look natural in the mouth. Dentures help in fixing the problems of missing teeth that cause difficulty in speech, reduces the chewing ability and lowers self-confidence.

Since false teeth are custom-made to fit the mouth and hence is comfortable to wear, initially, these teeth might take some time to get used to the mouth by the patient, especially while eating.

Complete dentures are either conventional or immediate. Once the teeth are removed and after the healing of the gum tissue, a conventional denture can be placed in the mouth about eight to 12 weeks.

Immediate dentures are made in advance, similar to conventional dentures, and can be placed in the mouth as soon as the teeth removed. Hence during the healing period, the wearer can wear teeth. When the tooth gets removed, during the healing period, the bones and gums shrink. During the healing process, the immediate denture has a disadvantage in comparison to conventional dentures as they need more adjustments to fit properly. Hence this should only be a temporary solution until one receives the conventional dentures.

Partial Dentures

A replacement tooth is attached to the pink or gum-colored plastic base usually connected by a metal framework and holds the denture intact in the mouth. The use of partial denture done when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. Fixed bridges get replaced to one or more teeth by placing crowns on the teeth on either side of the space and artificial teeth is attached to them. Later the bridge is cemented in place. The partial denture not only fills the space created due to the missed teeth, but it protects the other teeth from changing position.

A precision partial denture is removable, and there is an internal attachment in place of clasps that attach to the adjacent crowns and look like a natural-looking appliance. These dentures are beneficial if you have some of the healthy teeth.

Are There Alternatives to Dentures?

To support cemented bridges, dental implants used by eliminating the need for a denture. Though the cost is higher, but the bridges and implants resemble the feel of real teeth. Dentures are now being an alternative to dental implant but every one of us is not a candidate for implants.

Dental implants offer more stability besides giving support to dentures. Your doctor will be able to guide you better about implants. Permanent dentures with implants are a good alternative to false teeth and following are some benefits:-

Teeth are stable and secure

More hygienic due to less surface contact with gums

Natural-looking

No discomfort from friction with the gum

No acrylic is blocking the taste of food.

Allow normal chewing and eating.

With time, the implants fuse with the jaw bone and encourage it to maintain its shape. Initially, when a tooth extracted, the bone eventually draws back as it does not have a root to hold on. Thus with time, the face starts looking sagging. The patient could undergo bone graft surgery if the bone loss occurred already before implants placed.

Implant-retained Dentures

You can replace any number of missing teeth with dental implants as these are permanent and versatile way. To provide stability of a tooth root, a metal screw is inserted into the jawbone to provide stability. A bridge, denture or an artificial crown affixed to the implants. Implants usually are done for single and multiple missing teeth.

With the help of dental implants, the fixed dentures are held securely in place by inserting in the jaw. People were too concerned about the full dentures as they might slip out of place, especially on the lower jaw, where there is nothing to hold on. With traditional teeth implants, it is possible to replace a full jaw of teeth, but this technique requires 8-10 implants in the jaw. Thus it is the most expensive option. Only 3-5 implants need in each jaw with an implant-retained denture and this makes them a more affordable alternative to traditional implants. With the help of a metal bar, the overdenture attached which spans all the implants.

With the aid of some systems, the overdenture fixed firmly while others removed with regular false teeth for cleaning. You can affix a removable overdenture with as few as two implants, but it will not have the same biting and chewing strength as one with four or more implants.

Immediate Dentures

After extracting your unhealthy tooth, your dentist will wait for a few weeks or months before measuring your mouth to create your false teeth. The extraction tooth area gets healed up in the meantime, and the gum settles down.

If one of the teeth is missing from a prominent place, naturally, you will not want to walk around by giving a smile showing a gap in the mouth. In such a situation, you might get temporary false teeth that are fitted immediately after extraction. Such a false tooth is called ‘immediate dentures.’ These temporary teeth will become uncomfortable in a short period and need to replace, and this is due to the change in the shape of gum and bone after a tooth gets extracted.

Flexible Dentures

A flexible denture like Valplast flexible partials is an alternative to conventional false teeth. They do not have the rigidity of acrylic and are less bulky. These teeth are more comfortable to wear and do not cause difficulties with speech. Mentioned below are some of the benefits of such teeth:-

Soft materials is gentle to gums.

No adhesive needed.

No unsightly metal clasps

Extremely durable material

Material made of translucent resin that blends with natural gum colour.

Light in weight and thin, hence less effect on speech.

The cost of valplast dentures is more than those that use traditional rigid materials. They are thus a cheap alternative to implants and don’t involve any surgery.

Use of these teeth done for partial teeth replacement and a full set of these teeth are not available.

Will I Look Different With Dentures?

Dentures are made so nicely that they exactly resemble your natural teeth, and there is only a small noticeable change in appearance. Dentures will also improve your smile and make your facial appearance clean and clear. Hence there is not much difference in appearance.

Will It Be Difficult to Eat with New Dentures?

For a few weeks eating with new dentures, it might be a little difficult and uncomfortable for the wearer. Start eating soft foods with the new dentures. You can also cut them into pieces and eat food. With both sides of your mouth, chew your food slowly. Slowly you will be able to get used to new dentures. Now you can add other foods and return to your normal diet. Be careful while using hot and cold foods and shells or sharp-edged bones. Sticky and hard foods should be avoided. Avoid eating chewing gum while wearing the denture as gum might stick to it. Avoid the use of toothpicks while wearing dentures.

Do Dentures Affect The Way I Speak?

Certain words might be difficult to pronounce after getting the dentures. You can start by saying difficult words loudly. You will be accustomed to speaking properly with dentures with a few practice and time.

Consult your dentist if you have any problem while talking. In case while laughing, coughing, or smiling, the dentures slip, then gently bite it down. If the problem continues, it is best to consult your dentist or prosthodontist.

Can You Wear Dentures 24 Hours a Day?

Before wearing the dentures, your dentist will guide you for how long you can wear the dentures and when to remove them. You might be asked to wear it all the time during the first few days of receiving it. The dentist will ask you to wear it even while sleeping. The patient will feel uncomfortable at the beginning, but this is only temporary and this will enable you to know which areas need to the adjusted.

After proper adjustments are made, remove the dentures before going to bed. Removal of dentures will give your gum tissues rest and allow normal stimulation and cleansing by the tongue and saliva. Later in the morning, you can keep the dentures back in the mouth.

Can I Use A Denture Adhesive?

Under the following conditions, denture adhesive may be considered:-

Increases satisfaction with the properly constructed denture. The patient’s sense of security is greatly increased with adhesives retention, stability and bite force.

Individuals have dry mouth conditions that decrease denture adherence like individuals taking cold medications, those with neurologic disabilities like stroke and elderly persons.

It provides stability and security to people who have unusual demands on facial muscles like public speakers or musicians.

Cleaning and Maintenance

People should remove their false teeth overnight for comfort and keep it moist so that they do not lose their shape.

Keep the denture in water or add a cleaning solution but use one that is compatible with your type of denture.

The dentist will advise you to wear the denture or to remove them every night. Just follow the directions and keep your dentures clean.

Clean your artificial teeth every day irrespective of how long the patient wears it. Your dentist will show you how to clean the teeth properly and may provide a special brush or other tools. The teeth need not be removed every time while brushing the teeth, but it is easier to remove all the traces of food if you can see what you are doing.

If the dentures are not cleaned, then you are only increasing the chances of gum disease and tooth decay. You will also develop badly breathe due to the bacteria deposit in them. Cleaning of teeth helps in reducing the chances of staining.

However you clean your dentures, one best way is to clean your false teeth over a sink full of water or folded towel. In case the dentures fall while cleaning, it might break. Also, maintain good oral hygiene practices to keep your remaining natural teeth clean. Floss your teeth once a day and brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to keep them healthy.

Conclusion

It is impossible to find an ideal solution for false teeth for everyone. If you wear the teeth for the long-term, there is a risk of deterioration of the jaw bone. With the advancement in technology, now there are various ways to fill the gap in your smile or replace all the teeth. They make the patient look more natural and feel more comfortable than ever before. People select dentures as a temporary measure while they save up for permanent tooth implants.